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Ambassador: China ready to work with Maldives to accelerate GDI projects

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China welcomes the participation of the Maldives in the Group of Friends of the GDI, and is ready to work with the Maldives to accelerate implementation of the projects of GDI Project Pool to benefit the two peoples, says Beijing’s top diplomat in Male’.

Wang Lixin, the Chinese ambassador to Maldives, made the remark in a statement on Tuesday entitled ‘Join hands to build a community with a shared future for mankind to deliver a better future for the world’.

The Global Development Initiative (GDI), is a global initiative proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2021, rooted in China’s vision for building a global community of a shared future for mankind. The Group of Friends of the GDI was established at the United Nations, the next year.

The GDI, along with the Global Security Initiative (GSI) and the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI), seek to address common challenges and accelerate the transition to a more sustainable and inclusive future – with Belt and Road cooperation treated as the platform for action.

In her statement, Wang reiterated that Maldives is “a traditional friendly neighbor and an important development partner of China”.

Back in January, during Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s state visit to Beijing at the invitation of Chinese President Xi, the two sides agree to focus on pursuing BR cooperation, in the efforts to better synergize their development strategies, fully implement the GDI, and further enhance the level and quality of cooperation, and strengthen practical cooperation in green development, digital economy, blue economy and other fields, to achieve mutual benefit and common development.

Wang said it opened up “new and broad prospects for the development of our bilateral relations.”

“The Chinese side welcomes the participation of the Maldives in the Group of Friends of the GDI, and is ready to work with the Maldives to accelerate implementation of the projects of GDI Project Pool to benefit the two peoples,” she said.

According to Wang, China has signed more than 200 BRI cooperation documents with over 150 countries and 30 international organizations.

“The BRI has established more than 3,000 cooperation projects and galvanized nearly US$1 trillion of investment, created over 420 thousand jobs, lifted 40 million people out of poverty, and created an array of national landmarks such as the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge,” she said.

“The GDI, GSI and GCI proposed by President Xi Jinping have taken roots and borne fruits. Global Development Project Pool now has nearly 200 practical cooperation projects.”

She named the China-mediated restoration of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran in 2023 as a living example of the implementation of the GSI, and one that set off a “wave of reconciliation” across the Middle East.

Wang said that the vision for building a global community of shared future for mankind has a broad prospect.

“More and more countries have come to the understanding that the future of the world is determined by all, international rules are written by all, global affairs are governed by all, the fruits of development are shared by all, and building a community of shared future for mankind is the only future for humanity on this planet,” she said, adding that it also requires a generational effort.

Wang ended her statement by referring to an ancient Chinese proverb: “One should be good at finding the laws of things and solving problems”.

“China is ready to work hand in hand with all countries including the Maldives to advance the great cause of building a community of shared future for mankind and deliver a better future for the world,” she said.

Source(s): sun.mv

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Solih reassures MDP dedication to protecting workers’ rights

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Former President and Advisor of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has reaffirmed the party’s commitment to safeguarding workers’ rights.

In a post on social media, Solih extended his congratulations to all Maldivian workers on International Labour Day, highlighting the advocacy of MDP for crucial policies like safeguarding workers’ rights and implementing a minimum wage. He also assured that the party remains dedicated to upholding the rights of workers

The world celebrates International Labour Day annually on May 1.

Source(s): PsmNews

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Efforts underway to limit Hajj pilgrimage rates

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Maldives Hajj Corporation (MHC) has initiated significant steps to substantially lower the prices of Hajj pilgrimage trips, aligning with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s presidential pledge to reduce costs for travellers from Maldives.

In a post shared on social media, Managing Director Mohamed Shakeel announced the establishment of the “Hajj Fund,” aimed at reducing pilgrim expenses while creating income-generating opportunities for the corporation, thus strengthening its financial stability. He underscored that efforts are currently underway to minimise Hajj trip costs, with an increase in real estate investments.

Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed affirmed that restructuring the Hajj Corporation would substantially decrease Hajj pilgrimage rates. He further emphasised the Ministry’s proactive measures under the new administration to address this issue. This year, the Hajj Corporation has disbursed USD 4,537 with over 7,000 individuals on the waiting list. The government has officially allocated 100 quotas to the Maldives to mitigate the waiting list and alleviate high pilgrimage costs incurred.

Minister Shaheem stated that if additional quotas are to be granted, private entities will be engaged in organising pilgrimage trips, adhering to the list compiled by the Hajj Corporation.

Source(s): PsmNews

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President: Solely increasing salaries not a solution, employees require education and training

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President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, on Wednesday, citing solely increasing salaries of civil servants as the nation’s economy flourishes as an insufficient solution, has emphasized the importance of the continuous provision of education and training required to civil servants along with it.

In his address to the nation on the occasion of International Labor Day – the President noted that efforts have already commenced to increase the salaries and allowances of civil servants working in various government organizations. He also spoke regarding the importance of introducing housing schemes specific for private sector employees in addition to public sector employees.

The President also spoke regarding the working environment in his address – during which he emphasized the need to implement measures to ensure job security. On this note, he detailed the need to facilitate soft loan schemes and income-generating markets to ensure job security for employees.

Speaking further, President Muizzu cited the debt owed by the state to many hard-working private individuals and companies as one of the most pressing concerns when his administration assumed office. As per the President, the result of owing over MVR 900 million in debt to private individuals and companies by state-owned companies and millions in debt to private individuals and companies by various government offices, left the nation’s economy falling into a deep ditch while private companies were rendered unable to pay their employees.

Henceforth, President Muizzu said his administration’s highest priority to repay these debts. He particularly emphasized the debt owed to fishermen – affirming the government’s commitment to disburse payment for the millions owed, in order to protect the nation’s economy’s bloodline.

The President also spoke regarding the government’s efforts to allow individuals who have retired after working in crucial sectors such as health and civil service to return to work. In this trajectory, he said his administration will raise the retirement age from 65 to 75.

“Additionally, opportunities are now being provided to persons with disabilities to fitting work at a reasonable pay to ensure they are not sidelined in the society,” he added.

President Muizzu also spoke regarding his plans to expand the economic sectors, and in this regard, introduce new sectors to the country which would create job opportunities for the youth. He also expressed hope that the introduction of e-wallet will pave the way for payment gateway services in the Maldives which will ease the process of international transactions.

Concluding his address, the President expressed hope for a vibrant future for all laborers with the implementation of the aforesaid plans.

He added that his government aims to ensure a financially stable and prosperous life for all Maldivian laborers within this five-year term.

Source(s): sun.mv

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